Telangana prisons introduce open schooling programme for inmates

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Principal Secretary to the Education Department Yogita Rana in the presence of DG of Prisons and Correctional Services Soumya Mishra and other senior officials.  | Photo Credit: Special arrangement

Eighty-five prisoners have expressed interest in pursuing Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Intermediate courses under a new open schooling programme launched by the Telangana Prisons Department in collaboration with the Telangana Open School Society (TOSS).

Of the 85 inmates, 70 have expressed willingness to enrol for SSC and 15 for Intermediate courses for the current academic year.

The programme was inaugurated by Principal Secretary to the Education Department Yogita Rana in the presence of DG of Prisons and Correctional Services Soumya Mishra and other senior officials. It will allow inmates to resume their education through TOSS, with study materials, academic support and regular classes on Sundays and second Saturdays. Classes can also be conducted on other days depending on the requirements of the Prisons Department.

There is no upper age limit for admission. Prisoners who complete Intermediate will also be eligible to pursue higher education, subject to the prescribed admission requirements.

Ms. Rana announced a concession of ₹1,250 towards the course fee for prison inmates and said special TOSS centres would be established in prisons to facilitate the programme and provide academic support. She also assured support for setting up libraries in prisons to encourage reading and self-learning.

She further said children of prisoners facing difficulties in continuing their education could submit representations to her through the DG of Prisons, following which efforts would be made to provide educational assistance. Addressing the gathering, Rana said education could help prisoners build confidence and self-respect and prepare for a better future. She urged inmates to use the opportunity to continue their studies.

Ms. Mishra said the department’s approach extended beyond custody and security, with a focus on correction, rehabilitation, education and skill development. She said education was an important part of the effort to help prisoners rebuild their lives and return to society as responsible citizens. TOSS Director K. Lingaiah assured the Prisons Department of academic support and said its staff would be available to assist prison authorities in conducting classes.

Information brochures detailing the programme and educational opportunities available to inmates were released at the inauguration.

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